What to do in Calgary: October 2015

November 16, 2016

Welcome to our monthly round-up of events in, around, and connected to our community in Calgary’s NW. Each month as University District continues to come together we ask our team what they’re looking forward to in the month ahead. Here is what we’re excited about in Calgary for the month of October.

Follow along using the hashtag #UDistrictYYC as you explore our city this month.

The Massey Lectures Tour

The theme for this year’s Massey Lectures: Histories & People: Personalities and the Past. The star of the show: Margaret MacMillan, renowned historian. The Massey Lectures will stop in Calgary for lecture four in the series. Questions are asked this year about the great figures of the past and perspective with which we determine their cultural significance, from Bismark to Nixon and back again. From the CBC: “History’s People is about the important and complex relationship between biography and history, individuals and their times.” MORE.

Calgary International Film Festival

September 23-October 4
Tickets $15, Various Venues

The Calgary International Film Festival (CIFF) will feature over 200 multi-genre films from over 40 countries over 12 days. This is an once-a-year chance to sample the best of cinema from around the globe, right here in Calgary, and support local or independent film artists. Plus, it’s always fun to see which celebrities end up on the CIFF red carpet! MORE

Illuminasia Lantern & Garden Festival, Calgary Zoo

Over 350 handcrafted lanterns are about to cover the grounds of the Calgary Zoo. Illuminasia is not only a feast for the eyes, but a multi-cultural experience. The focus shifts to three different cultures – China, Japan, and India – throughout the festival. Each will feature new entertainment and interpretive programs ranging from Taiko Drumming to Chinese acrobats to Indian cooking classes.

Riverdance 20th Anniversary Tour

October 9-11, 2015
Jubilee Auditorium

Over 20 years Riverdance has performed over 11,000 times in 46 countries around the world and been seen by over 24 million people. That is a lot of shoes…

There really isn’t anything like Riverdance, and this production will mark the final Riverdance of Calgary’s hometown dance hero Ryan McCaffrey (Lead Dancer, Riverdance and Heartbeat of Home). See his farewell performance on October 11. MORE.

Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra Pops Series: Superheroes!

Internationally renowned Pops conductor John Morris Russell will lead the CPO into the world of Hollywood super-blockbusters. Expect to hear the music of The Dark Knight, X-Men, Captain America, Star Wars and more. If you’re not into superhero soundtracks there is still lots to listen to at the CPO this October; you may want to check out their Billy Joel/Elton John combo show (October 17) or Mozart & Mahler (60th Season opener, October 2 and 3).

Rocky Mountain Wine & Food Festival, Calgary

The 18th Annual Rocky Mountain Food & Wine Festival is expected to feature over 200 exhibitor booths ranging from major brands to international imports to local micro-brews. There are also ‘bites and nibbles’ from Calgary restaurants for easy pairing. One-stop wine tour without leaving the city! MORE.

The University District blog is a resource for Calgarians who want to live, work, play, visit or buy in the northwest. We will provide you with information, stories, news and inspiration about the things that matter so you can live a more inspired, active and connected life in NW Calgary at University District… Life works here.

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